By Natalie Dillon

ndillon@

themonroetimes.com

MADISON —  Just as the team did in the regional final, Brodhead dropped the first two sets of its WIAA Division 3 sectional semifinal match against Abundant Life-Saint Ambrose (ALSA) on Thursday, Oct. 31. But unlike the regional final, the Cardinals were unable to mount a comeback, ending their season in a four-set loss.

“We have nothing to hang our heads about,” Brodhead head coach Erin Kammerer said. “If you would have asked me if this team would play in a sectional when we started, I would have said no. But when I saw their work ethic, it got more exciting.”

The Cardinals dropped the first two games 25-20, 25-17 with both set points occurring on mental mistakes or miscommunication.

Brodhead took an early 8-4 lead in the third set, thanks to a rally-starting kill from Brynn Riesterer. Gretchen Kammerer added a sneaky tip, and Brodhead returned a volley off the ceiling for a point that ended in a Challenger free ball error. 

Although ALSA came back to knot the game at 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22, Brodhead won three of the last four points to win. 

Once again in the fourth, the Cardinals took an early 8-4 lead. Allie Dahl had to switch up her attack midset, scoring off hard attacks, cross-court shots, tips and drop shots.

“We had to adjust pretty quickly,” Dahl said. “The coaches helped me out and let me know where to go. It was really helpful, and I appreciate it.”

But the top-seeded Challengers rallied from behind to tie the game at 16, 17, 18, and 19 before edging out a 25-23 victory.

Dahl led the attack with 16 kills. Gretchen Kammerer tallied a team-best 29 assists and three aces. Addie Leifker and Dahl led the team with 14 digs each. At the net, Riesterer had three solo blocks.